Stand On

To maintain course and speed as the stand-on vessel while monitoring an encounter and remaining ready to avoid collision.

The requirement allows the give-way vessel to predict the stand-on vessel’s movement. The stand-on vessel may take action when it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not acting appropriately and must take action when collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone, subject to the full rules.

Standing on is not an absolute right of way and does not permit inattention or maintaining an unsafe speed. Lookout, risk assessment and clear, timely action remain essential, and the responsibilities depend on the particular encounter.